Physics question

Question

A 520-turn solenoid is 18 cm long. The current in it is 34 A. A straight wire cuts through the center of the solenoid, along a 3.5-cm diameter. This wire carries a 23-A current downward (and is connected by other wires that don't concern us). What is the force on this wire assuming the solenoid's field points due east? Express your answer using two significant figures and include the appropriate units.

Answer 1

The magnetic field inside the solenoid:

B = μnI_solenoid, where n = N/L = turns per unit length of the solenoid and I_solenoid is its current.

The force on the solenoid:

F = I_wired x B (vector product), where d = length of the wire = diameter of the solenoid.

The vector d points down, B points East, you can find the direction of F by the right hand rule for the vector product.

Make sure you convert all centimeters to meters when you plug in the numbers.

I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any further questions.